Chapter 43
Chapter Forty-Three
CHELSEA
Wedding day is here, and I need to just make it through the day.
I hate that I’m feeling that way, that I’m robbing Francesca of my attention on her most important day.
That I’m robbing joy from yet another Casanova event.
Britt and Janet are the only two people who know I’m pregnant.
It’s already two people too many when Adam should have been the first.
I’m still in shock. After talking with Janet, I stopped at the drugstore and bought three more tests. I waited until the morning and took them again, but there was no change. It was still a bright pink line staring back at me.
I curled up back in bed and allowed myself to dream even if just for a few moments.
The backyard of Adam’s house, with the kids splashing in the pool while we sit on the patio under the sun.
How do I ever go back to Adam now? I can admit I overreacted.
But if I do it enough, he’s finally going to come to a point where he won’t want to deal with my mood swings.
Or maybe he just won’t want to deal with me. Period.
The girls are lined up and we’re making our way down the aisle. When Adam gave me the love knot ring years ago, I pictured this very scenario. Me walking down the aisle and him standing at the end waiting for me. I was scared and hesitant with him, but I always knew we’d get there.
Until I just couldn’t see it anymore.
My thumb spins the band of the ring he gave me, and his eyes never leave mine as I walk towards him. I flicker mine between all the guys standing there. The love that is showing on their faces is enough to break me right here. The emotion building in me is too much.
Do it for Francesca.
* * *
The ceremony was perfect and now it’s time to let loose.
I wish I could have a drink. I’m faking it with apple juice in a champagne glass so no one will question me.
I follow Dominic around who is outstanding in his little suit.
He’s having the time of his life tonight, the star of the show.
Snickering to myself, I won’t tell Chess and Jackson that their nephew has upstaged them today.
It’s time for the best man speech and I watch as the most handsome man I’ve ever laid eyes on takes the mic and delivers an epic speech for his best friend turned brother-in-law.
I listen intently to every word he speaks, and I grow stronger in my resolve.
I need him. We need him. I’ve been a fool and I need to make a decision.
Right here. Right now. I will never run again. I will never push him away again.
I smile at the little dig Adam gives his twin brothers and laugh when they grumble about him loving them. His response of “I do love you, every one of you” is spoken. And when his eyes connect with mine, and he gives me a wink, and I know we have a chance still.